With less than 12 hours to go, dancers received some welcomed visits from their parents during Thon Dancer Parent Hour.

Many parents, along with other family members, have been taking shifts, just like the moralers, to see their sons and daughters dance at the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

"It's so hard to leave, but I knew I had to for a few hours," Janie Prichard, mother of Katie Prichard (junior-kinesiology), said.

She described the event as "indescribable" and "wonderful," while her husband, Ron Prichard, said it was "heartfelt."

However, some parents had trouble getting to Thon because of road closings on I-78 and I-80. Last week's snowstorms led to several highway problems across the state.

It took Ted and Dawn Turon nine hours to drive from Clark, N.J., a trip that normally takes four hours, just to see their son, Erik Turon (junior-finance).

Steve and Evelyn Max drove six hours -- nearly twice as long as the trip usually takes -- from just outside New York City to see their daughter, Staci Max (senior-psychology), dance.

This is the second time one of their daughters has danced at Thon.

Staci was so exhausted and busy putting ice on her knees, she only said her parents' support "absolutely" helped to motivate her.

It took Jim Adams 11 hours to drive from Connecticut to see his daughter, Carrie Adams (sophomore-biobehavioral health) dance in Thon, but his daughter said she was grateful her family made the trip.

"Time passes so much quicker," she said. "It's a positive experience to have family and friends cheer you on."

Marcy Antolik, mother of Heather Antolik (senior-psychology), wasn't sure she was even going to make it to Thon because roads were closed Saturday morning around the Wilkes Barre-Scranton area.

"We didn't think we were going to make it, but leaving early there was little traffic," Marcy said.

Although she was proud of her daughter for dancing, she was unsure whether she could last.

"I'm afraid she's going to crash, but she's doing pretty good," Marcy said.

Heather was glad her mother was there as an additional support system.

"Anything helps to get you through 46 hours of being on your feet," she said.

Some parents were amazed that their children could stay on their feet for 46 hours, and Melissa Dibbles' parents were no exception

"I don't know how they can do it," Eric Dibble, Melissa's father, said. "It says a lot about the university."

"She's been excited about it for a long time," Kay Dibble, Melissa's mother, added. "She's hanging in there."

Melissa (senior-kinesiology) was happy her parents had come.

"I've had a hard time getting through," she said. "I'm really glad they're here."

Other parents were astounded at the sheer enormity of the event.

"It's bigger than what I would have thought," Ron Robine, father of Alison Robine (senior-marketing), said. "I'm surprised there is still this much energy."